Sister Surrogate
LaChelle Weaver
Houston, Texas * Washington, D.C. * Raleigh/Durham, NC
Sister Surrogate © 2016 by LaChelle Weaver
Brown Girls Books, LLC
www.BrownGirlsBooks.com
ISBN Ebook: 9781944359188
ISBN Print: 9781944359195
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means including electronic, mechanical or photocopying or stored in a retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages to be included in a review.
First Brown Girls Publishing LLC trade printing
Manufactured and Printed in the United States of America
If you purchased this book without a cover, you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It is reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher, and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this “stripped” book.
Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Nine
Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty-One
Chapter Fifty-Two
Chapter Fifty-Three
Chapter Fifty-Four
Chapter Fifty-Five
Chapter Fifty-Six
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Dedication
To my fellow Hornet and Hillside High School classmate, Tiffany Dixon Parker, my aunt Debra Faye Weaver and countless women who’ve battled cancer and came out victorious.
This book is for you.
Acknowledgements
This is the part of the book that I looked most forward to writing—getting to thank everyone that contributed to this labor of love either directly or indirectly. Sister Surrogate has been years in the making and it has not been an easy feat, but by the grace of God, who I give the highest and loudest of praises, I could not have persevered. He put this gift inside me, and guided me through the entire process from start to finish, even when I wanted to give up and quit, and when I doubted if I could really write.
To my family and friends—my incredibly talented and equally creative daughter, Janayah Lipscomb; my twin sister and womb mate, LaShawn Weaver; my beautiful nieces, Te´a Walker and Ala´ni Sanford; the sister I’ve always looked up to, Denita Green; the man of my dreams and my biggest supporter, Johnathan Cox; my BFFs: Marisa Watson (my best bestie), Shonnethia Johnson and Chris Mott (aka 49ers 4 Life), and my sister-friends: Michelle Chavis, Cheryl Ashford Daniels and Vanessa Johnson Sumpter. Your support has been unwavering and always encouraging and I can’t tell you how grateful and blessed I am to have each and every one of you in my corner. I love you all!
To my Weaver family—much love to my mama, Donna Weaver; my grandma, Dorothy Weaver and a special thank you to my aunt, Debra Weaver whose mini library of books when I was growing up sparked my love for reading that ignited my passion for the written word. You’ve always been the best aunt, and I love you dearly.
A huge shout out to my work family, Team Anthony (Red Nights)— Joe Anthony, you have been one of the best supervisors I’ve had in my biotech career. Your support for your team and willingness to always highlight our strengths is greatly appreciated. My teammates: Jeff Chelf, our illustrious leader; Scott Paye, your wittiness always keep me laughing; Ray Joyner, you’re equally funny and we’re glad you’re a part of our team; A special thank you to Mario Hunter—you’ve always been the first person I’ve bounced ideas for stories off of and received honest feedback. We’re the original two and have seen each other grow over the years, and I’m glad you’re still on this journey with me. I hope to see your passions bloom as well. Thank you also to my co-workers, Julianne Chappell (my Jules) and Mark Ellis (I miss you!). It’s always easy to come to work when I have you guys as co-workers. You’ve all been supportive of my dream and I will always appreciate that.
My awesomely talented Sister Scribes of The Dating Game—Cheryl Ashford Daniels, Princess F.L. Gooden, Cherritta Smith, Natalie Woods Leffall, Minolta Walker, Loureva Watson Slade, Patrice Tartt, Kay Trina Morris, Keleigh Krigler Hadley, Gina Phillips Johnson, Gina Torres, Tania Zayid, Marcena Hooks, Victoria Adams Kennedy, Richelle Denise and Trenekia Gilmore. I started my literary journey as a first time published author with you ladies and we skyrocketed to the top of the bestsellers list not once, but twice; not only becoming bestselling authors, but also, literary award-nominated authors. You ladies exemplify sisterhood and reinforced for me that we as women are strong in numbers, and when we work together we can do amazing things. I will forever love my Sister Scribes, my sisters in pen, and our journey as bestselling authors is only beginning.
Congratulations to my Sister Scribes Yvette Brantley, Christina Grant, Trina Charles, Cherritta Smith and Venita Alderman Sadler. Our love for the craft of writing brought us together in one or more of Victoria’s classes, and now we’re all published authors. I’m so proud of you ladies and looking forward to seeing you all make an impact in the literary world.
And I can’t forget my hitta, my road dawg, Cassandra Baker Durham. You have an awesome way with words and every time you speak you motivate, inspire and entertain. Keep writing and continue to let your words be your ministry.
Andrea (Michelle) Mitchell, thank you for your constant encouragement and our funny conversations. You’re a great writer and I can’t wait for the world to read Truth Is. I’m blessed to not only call you my Sister Scribe, but friend as well.
Cheryl Ashford Daniels, you have been my sounding board and my biggest source of motivation. You have constantly reminded me of my gift when I was in doubt and have kept me focused. It’s a blessing how easily and naturally we’ve connected as not only writing sisters, but great friends. Thank you for always being so supportive. I’m proud of you, and can’t wait for the world to read your amazing work. Love you, my sister-friend!
To my Hillside High School classmate, Tiffany Dixon Parker and my OB/GYN, Heather Vawter, PA-C. Thank you ladies for taking the time to provide me with the medical answers I needed to tell Savannah’s story accurately. I greatly appreciate the both of you.
Thank you to Lashe
era Lee for giving me my first interview as a published author on your radio show Read You Later, and for the many connections you’ve provided me since. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have met the amazingly talented, Rebecca Pau who designed the breathtaking cover for Sister Surrogate. Rebecca, you’re one of the best graphic designers I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and you’re one half of the reason why people will pick up the book to read it because of that amazing cover. Thank you so much.
To one of my favorite authors of all-time, Kimberla Lawson Roby. From the moment I picked up your first book so many years ago, I’ve been a die-hard fan and you’re my inspiration for wanting to write in the contemporary women’s fiction genre. I aspire to touch readers with my stories in the way that you have.
To the lovely ladies of Victorious Ladies Reading Book Club—thank you to my sister-friend and VLR president, Michelle Chavis and VLR Vice President, Shavonna Futrell. You ladies have really taken book clubs to another level with your generous hospitality and appreciation for authors. You and your members have been so supportive and I greatly appreciate you. Congratulations on your upcoming endeavors and know that you will always have my support.
Thank you to the Literary Guru, Yolanda Gore for everything that you do to take authors to another level. You’re a blessing.
To my Brown Girls Books family—thank you to one of the best social media managers in the business, Jason Frost; Publicist Norma Warren you are the business! Thank you for keeping BGB authors in the spotlight. And, I’m ready to shine! Thank you to my fellow writers and all of the Brown Girls Books staff that continue to make it a success.
To Jacquelin Thomas, I can’t thank you enough for your mentorship and guidance in my literary journey with Sister Surrogate. It started with you offering me a book deal and I’m forever grateful to you for the opportunity. I hope to make you proud.
To my literary bosses, Brown Girls Books founders and trailblazing publishers, Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley, there are not enough words in the English language to express how grateful, honored and blessed I am to be a part of your vision. When I first met you ladies at a book signing here in Durham, NC a few years ago, I knew that I would work with you one day, and I even said that to Victoria when she came back later for her Forever An Ex signing. You both inspired me to get serious about writing and I thank you for believing in me, and I can’t tell you how proud I am to be a Brown Girl.
Chapter One
F
or Savannah Yancey, life as she knew it would never be the same. As she gripped her husband’s hand, their fingers laced together in unity, tears filled her eyes. She’d just been given the worst news a woman could receive, especially a 29-year-old woman—Stage Two cervical cancer. Up until this moment, she’d held on to hope. She hadn’t panicked when her Pap smear results had come back abnormal because she’d had abnormal results in the past or when she had to have a colposcopy as a result. The uneasiness crept up when she had to have a cone biopsy due to the severity of her initial biopsy results. It wasn’t until she’d received a call from her OB/GYN, Dr. Pennington a few days ago, requesting that Savannah come into her office and bring someone with her, that actual fear began to set in. But she had said a prayer and hoped for a positive outcome.
Savannah listened in stunned silence as Dr. Pennington explained the results of her pathology report. Her blue eyes were sympathetic, even though her voice remained professional, but filled with compassion because she was a woman and she knew the impact it would have, especially on a woman as young as Savannah, just a few months shy of her thirtieth birthday, newly married with no children. Something she’d desired for as long as she could remember.
After leaving Dr. Pennington’s office, Savannah and her husband, Julius rode in silence as she stared out the window from the passenger seat of his SUV. Her tears had dried up, but the pain she felt still lingered, which meant they could resurface at any moment. Growing up, Savannah had always been told by her now deceased mother, not to question when bad things happened because only God could provide the answer, but as she grappled with her diagnosis she couldn’t help to wonder why. Why now? Why her?
Savannah thought back to her wedding day, six months ago, as she and Julius gazed into each other’s eyes during their first dance together as Mr. and Mrs. Yancey.
“You take my breath away. You know that?” Julius whispered in her ear. His soft, full lips pressed against her.
Savannah beamed at his words. Her arms were wrapped snuggly around his neck.
“I didn’t know that,” she’d spoken, coyly in his ear in return.
“You want to know why?” he asked.
“Yes. Enlighten me, Mr. Yancey,” Savannah responded.
“Because you’re everything I dreamed of and more; Beautiful, intelligent and driven. I couldn’t have prayed for a more perfect woman to be my wife and future baby mama of my five kids.”
Savannah threw her head back in laughter. Julius was always joking with her about having a house full of beautiful, chocolate babies when in reality they’d already settled on two. With their thriving careers, two would be a reasonable number.
“We ain’t the Huxtables, baby. Why don’t we start with one first and see if we survive before we talk about having a brood?”
“I’m kidding, baby, but I know one thing. I’m going to enjoy myself trying. I can’t wait to get you alone. You almost stopped my heart watching you walk down that aisle toward me. I love you, Mrs. Savannah Leah Yancey.”
She loved hearing the sound of her married name coming from her new husband’s lips.
“I love you more, Mr. Yancey,” Savannah whispered back.
Julius planted a tender kiss on her lips.
“Get a room!” Julius’s best man and law partner, Winston DeShazo yelled at them from behind his iPhone, a few feet away. They laughed. He was one amongst many of their guests capturing their happy moment with cameras on their smartphones.
Savannah rested the side of her head against Julius’s chest as they swayed in harmony to “A Couple of Forevers” by Chrisette Michele, one of her favorite R&B singers. Savannah had felt like a princess in one of those fairytales she’d grown up reading, who had found her Prince Charming and lived happily ever after. She knew it was cliché, but it was her wedding day and there was no other way she could describe it.
But now, as she played back Dr. Pennington’s words in her mind, Savannah felt like she was part of a bad dream. She tasted the saltiness of her tears, and realized she was crying again. Julius grabbed her hand from his position in the driver’s seat.
“We’re going to get through this, baby. Everything will be fine. Try not to worry,” said Julius, taking his eyes off the road to glance at her.
He’d said the same thing earlier, right after they left Dr. Pennington’s office as they walked to the car, still holding hands. Savannah didn’t know if he was trying to convince her or himself. She’d remained silent like she did now because she didn’t share his sentiments. How would everything be fine?
Dr. Pennington had recommended a radical hysterectomy due to her concern with where the cancer was located on her cervix along with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. She’d be referring Savannah to a gynecologic oncologist for further testing and confirmation of her results. Savannah felt numb as her dreams of motherhood dissipated with Dr. Pennington’s words. She’d never experience carrying or giving birth to a baby. That was the most difficult part of the diagnosis for her to accept, and not what she expected to hear after a few short months of marriage. She’d wanted a baby so bad; she could almost smell the sweet scent of one and feel the warmth of its soft skin against hers, which is why she hadn’t wanted to waste time in trying to start a family, even though Julius felt the opposite.
The opportune time to have a baby had become a point of contention with them. Julius wanted to wait at least a year because he had plans of expanding his law practice, but Savannah had balked at th
e notion. Her maternal urges were growing stronger and stronger with each day, and she felt compelled to go ahead and act on them. So, every free chance they got, Savannah wanted to make love until they couldn’t any longer, which sometimes lasted hours at a time with her praying for conception. And the reason she hadn’t felt the vaginal bleeding she was experiencing afterward as a huge cause for concern.
She just chalked it up to too much sex, and waved it away as a minor nuisance to deal with in her ultimate goal to become pregnant. But then, it started to happen more frequently, so with Julius’s insistence because he was getting freaked out about it, she had finally gone in to see Dr. Pennington, never expecting to hear that she wouldn’t be able to have any children of her own since a radical hysterectomy would strip her of her uterus and cervix. It was heartbreaking.
Savannah mused over Julius’s words to her on their wedding day about finding the perfect woman in her. How would he feel about her now that she couldn’t give him any children?
Chapter Two
S
avannah sat outside on her deck wrapped in a fleece throw, staring off at the serene lake in the distance. She’d come home from her doctor’s visit, seeking solace and this was the place she often went to for relaxation that the view of Lake Norman always provided. Julius made her a cup of chai tea, sensing that she needed the time to herself while he cooked dinner. Her mind was still reeling and she felt an overwhelming sadness. Her thoughts were now on her two sisters, Bridgette and Ivy. It would be difficult to tell them her diagnosis, especially since they’d all been through this ordeal before, when their father had been diagnosed with lung cancer during the final semester of Savannah’s senior year at Grambling State University.
Savannah had been devastated by the news of her father’s illness because as the youngest, she’d always been Daddy’s Girl and had spent so much of her young life trying to make him proud, which is why she’d become an educator. Eldridge Alston had been a history professor at Johnson C. Smith University and later, served on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education before having to take an early retirement due to his illness. Savannah knew how proud he would be that she was now an elementary school principal. She could hear his hearty laughter and him telling her, “Good job, baby girl,” which he’d always done every time she accomplished something she’d set her mind to achieve.
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